New Addition Darren Waller Making Presence Felt at Giants Camp

 Coming off a surprising playoff appearance and win last year, the New York Giants knew they had to upgrade their offense this offseason. The Giants ranked dead last in the NFL in explosive pass play rate, so wasting no time at all, second-year GM Joe Schoen got to work. The Giants made a blockbuster trade when they swapped a 3rd round pick for Pro Bowl Tight End Darren Waller from the Raiders. New York also bolstered their receiving corps in free agency as well. New signings of Parris Campbell and Cole Beasley, along with drafting Jaylin Hyatt out of Tennessee look to be pivotal in strengthening what was a position of weakness last year. Yet, no player has stood out more literally and figuratively than the Giant's new 6'6 superstar. 

 Thankfully I was lucky enough to get out to East Rutherford for the first two days of open practices. From the get-go of 7 on 7s Darren Waller made his presence felt. Every ball that was thrown his way he grabbed with minimal effort. Back-shoulder, overhead, high-pointed contested catches, it didn't matter. 12 was going to come down with it. Head Coach Brian Daboll and Offensive Coordinator Mike Kafka also seem to have a unique vision for Waller. Multiple times he was lining up at wide receiver, but also in the backfield at Full back and Running back. Catching quick releases and screens out of the backfield could be something new for Waller, but something that adds to his already versatile game. From the first day of training camp to now being past the first pre-season game, Waller has continued to impress as the days go by. Fellow Tight End Daniel Bellinger called Waller a “unicorn player” when asked about his impact on the team. Quarterback Daniel Jones raved about his new weapon “he is just an impressive athlete” and “ just a super versatile player”. The two have seemed to hit it off well, with Waller also showing appreciation for his new QB. Waller said of Jones that he has “arm talent”, “intelligence” and is a “funny guy” when you get to know him. 

 The Giants hope this budding rapport between Quarterback and Tight End can lead to great success this year for the offense. For that to be the case, New York needs their new superstar to maintain good health. In the past injuries have plagued Waller, but the Giants knew this full well when acquiring him and what we have seen in camp is precisely why they took this chance. A healthy Darren Waller is pretty darn close to being unguardable, regardless of circumstance.